Reviews

Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson

rutendo_mupfumira's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

As usual Caleb Azumah Nelson’s writing was beautiful. His use of motifs always tie everything together and the way he used them to tell more than one story at the end was stunning. He also conveyed the need for languor and rest as well as space to gain understanding of who one is. He wrote about the different parts of yourself that you must make room for knowing that other people may no longer make room for who they once knew you to be, in addition to who you are now, as if different pieces of you cannot exist at the same time. And he wrote about the need to return home, whether that be in the physical sense or through understanding and never forgetting. He writes in a way that leaves no room for denial.

bookofcinz's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

4.5

 Having read and LOVED Open Water I was a little nervous picking up Small Worlds because I had really high expectations and I didnt want to be disappointed.

Small Worlds is a brilliant book, I enjoyed it way more than Open Water. It is not often we read a book that centers on father-son relationships and I think the th author did a phenomenal job of showcasing that. Of course, he writes beautifully, I was blown away by the writing and I think you will do.

A stellar sophomore novel. 

iggyforenigma's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

gretasbookclub's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book so much. Cannot even actually explain - so fun to chat about it at bookclub but confusing why everyone else didn’t love it the same amount as me 

nicetsukki's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

jemosely's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

Loved it

rinku's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Grief

Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Hate crime, Police brutality, Racism, Drug use, Sexual content, and Alcohol

roxy_boettcher's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

mon_star's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lyzus's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Really beautiful book. Similar to Open Water, the writing in this book is very emotional and the prose is a joy to read.

Any book that can make me cry is a good sign because it shows emotional investment 🫶 

I’m not sure if I think this book should have been longer or shorter, but the ending didn’t hit 100% - apart from that, stunning read